39. THE DIXIE CHICKS The Dixie Chicks are a country music group, comprising three women; Martie Maguire , Natalie Maines , and Emily Robison . Together, they have sold over 36 million albums as of May, 2008. The group formed in 1989 in Dallas, Texas , and was originally composed of four women performing bluegrass and country music , busking and touring the bluegrass festival circuits and small venues for six years, without attracting a major label . After the departure of one bandmate, the replacement of their lead singer, and a slight change in their repertoire, the Dixie Chicks achieved massive country music and pop success, beginning in 1998 with hit songs like " Wide Open Spaces ", " Cowboy Take Me Away ", and " Long Time Gone ". The women became well-known for their independent spirit and outspoken comments on controversial subjects, including politics. Ten days before the 2003 invasion of Iraq , lead vocalist Natalie Maines said "We don't want this war, this violence; and, we're ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas", (the Dixie Chicks' home State). As of 2008, they have won thirteen Grammy Awards , with five of them earned in 2007 including the coveted Grammy Award for Album of the Year for Taking The Long Way .
